Highpointing is another goal, though, of course, I can't predict how far we'll get on that list. Eventually, the girls and I will need to acquire advanced mountaineering skills. As of right now, Sage has every intention of acquiring those skills and going for all 50 highpoints. Alex, however, isn't sure she wants to ascend mountains that require ropes and ice axes. We'll take things year by year and see what happens.

One thing I know for sure, however, is that we are not going to try to finish any of the above lists by any particular date. The past four years have been wonderful -- it's been a pleasure taking each of the girls hiking and watching them ascend New Hampshire's 48 highest mountains. However, both girls hiked the NH4Ks with self-imposed age deadlines hanging over their heads. That was their doing -- Alex wanted to finish before she turned seven, and I supported her. Next, Sage wanted to finish at a younger age than Alex did, so I supported her (with Alex's blessing). Finally, Alex wanted to finish the winter 4Ks while she was nine...so I supported her. Now, no one's trying to finish any list by any certain age...and life feels so much more relaxed!

We took a four week break from hiking after Alex finished the winter 4Ks. Hopefully, we'll get back on the trails this week. We've got boulder caves to explore and rock slides to climb. :)